World Against Toys Causing Harm released its '10 Worst Toys' of 2018 list on Tuesday.

Author:
Scott Craven, USA TODAY

Published:
10:08 AM CST November 14, 2018

Updated:
10:29 AM CST November 14, 2018

Imagine the excitement in your 2-year-old’s eyes when you hand her what appears to be a plastic shiv as well as fake fruit with this simple instruction: “Get to slicing!”

Such is the Cutting Fruit kit from Kid O Toys, named one of the 10 Worst Toys thanks to the inelegant concept of encouraging toddlers to wield dull knives, if not discovering what they can do beyond cutting plastic fruit.

The list names the worst toys not because kids will find them lame. No, not at all.

It's supposed to call out toys with dangers lurking just below their fun facades.

Revealed Tuesday by World Against Toys Causing Harm (W.A.T.C.H.), the roundup includes a variety of playtime weapons, as well as such seemingly non-threatening toys as pillow pets, a plush ballerina and a wooden dog.

Each year W.A.T.C.H. releases the worst-toy list to raise awareness of potentially dangerous playthings. While some inclusions are obvious, as those encouraging knife play among those yet to master hand-eye coordination, others are not so evident (looking at you, Cabbage Patch Kids Dance Time Doll) but could still be harmful.

And each year the Toy Association takes exception to not only the list, but its tone (which, the group said, needlessly frightens parents and caregivers). The association points out the folks from W.A.T.C.H. don't rigorously test the toys, assembling the list largely for media attention. (Full media disclosure: Yeah, we're suckers for this list).

Here’s the full 10-worst list. Sorry, kids.

Nickelodeon Nella Princess Knight Pillow Pets Sleeptime Lights, $20

Nickelodeon Nella Princess Knight Pillow Pets Sleeptime Lights.

Courtesy of W.A.T.C.H.

What: Plush that beams night-sky images on the ceiling.

W.A.T.C.H. warns: Contains accessories that can be removed and swallowed; batteries may leak acid.

Likely real-life hazard: Child hypnotized by light display will throw a tantrum because you forget to bring it to grandma’s, and no one will get any sleep.

Nerf Vortex VTX Praxis Blaster, $35

Nerf Vortex VTX Praxis Blaster

Courtesy of W.A.T.C.H.

What: Rifle firing plastic discs.

W.A.T.C.H. warns: Eye and facial injuries.

Likely real-life hazard: Hurt feelings all around when a friendly Nerf battle devolves into a wrestling match and a dent in the wall.